The Managing Director of the Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Dr Muyiwa Gbadegesin, has revealed that 90 per cent of Lagos’ disposed waste has an estimated value of $2.5 billion.
Eko Hot News reports that Gbadegesin disclosed while reiterating the agency’s commitment to a cleaner environment. He warned residents against dumping refuse on roads and in canals, stressing that violators will face sanctions under state sanitation laws.
Gbadegesin urged residents to adopt waste sorting, noting that Lagos must stop treating reusable materials as waste. He said 90 per cent of discarded items have significant economic value and should be recovered to support sustainable waste-to-wealth initiatives.
He explained that the state is working toward eliminating landfill sites, disclosing that Olusosun and Solous 3 dumpsites will be decommissioned within the next 18 months. According to him, the process has already begun with two months completed.
The LAWMA chief also announced plans to recruit 377 environmental health officers to strengthen enforcement across the state. He said the officers, known as wole-wole, will be deployed to all wards beginning January 2026 and will have statutory powers to arrest and prosecute offenders.
Gbadegesin noted that Lagos needs about 2,000 tricycle compactors to effectively manage waste, especially in hard-to-reach areas. He said the state generates 13,000 to 15,000 tonnes of waste daily, with only 4,000 to 5,000 tonnes collected by 450 PSP operators.
He added that the remaining waste finds its way into drains, canals, lagoons, and wetlands, leading to serious environmental hazards. He expressed concern that 12 per cent of Lagos’ wetlands are being abused through indiscriminate dumping.
The LAWMA boss further disclosed that 22 PSP operators were recently disengaged for inefficiency. He identified infrastructure as the biggest challenge affecting the state’s waste management system.
